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Media Release

For Immediate Release | January 6, 2021

Exhibition

Steam Dreams: The Japanese Public Bath

Soak in some cleansing goodness at The Japan Foundation, Sydney’s upcoming exhibition, Steam Dreams: The Japanese Public Bath. This exhibition is a survey of the history of sentōthe public bath, the importance of its preservation and the future of Japanese communal bathing culture. Through a diverse selection of works including historical artefacts, retro-pop ephemera, mural painting, contemporary photography, illustration, and local community art, Steam Dreams presents an introduction to the multifaceted sentō culture of Japan at The Japan Foundation Gallery from February 12 to May 22, 2021.

Steam Dreams, curated by Eloise Rapp and Simonne Goran, features two commissioned works: a traditional penki-e mural featuring Mt Fuji by Mizuki Tanaka and a Sydney sentō stamp by Toshizō Hirose, which is available with ink for visitors to stamp a memento of their visit to the exhibition. Additional works include architectural illustrations by Enya Honami, historical photographs of sentō by Kimbei Kusakabe and others, as well as contemporary photographs by Kōtaro Imada and sentō artefacts from the Mosaic Tile Museum, Tajimi. The exhibition also presents community art from the active sentō establishment Katsura-yu and various archival objects retrieved from Japanese public bathhouses from Bunkyo Architects Association Youth.

 

WHY SENTŌ?

The public bathhouse is a space that unites community, where for centuries locals have gathered to relax, exchange news and enjoy quiet banter. Little by little, public bathing facilities across Japan are becoming outdated in favour of the comfort and convenience of modern home amenities. However, alongside this, there is also a growth in the desire and effort to preserve the fading rituals of sentō culture. This exhibition features work by Japanese artists, organisations and community members who are actively involved in advocating for the preservation and cultural significance of sentō, celebrating the unique design elements of the public bathhouse. 

By tracing the distinct bathing practices of Meiji and Shōwa-periods such as design transitions from wooden floors to tiled interiors, the implemented gender division, and the connection back to nature through mural artistry, attendees of this exhibition can appreciate the progression of Japanese bath culture from over 150 years ago until now.

Header image: Kimbei Kusakabe, Women in Bath, c. 1890s. © Duits

EXHIBITION

Steam Dreams: The Japanese Public Bath

February 12 – May 22, 2021

Transport yourself to the world of sentō with a deep dive into the history of the Japanese public bath, the importance of its preservation and the future of Japanese communal bathing culture. Join us on February 12 at 6-8pm for the opening reception.

Held at The Japan Foundation, Sydney

About the exhibition

STEAM DREAM EVENT SERIES

FREE FILM SCREENINGS

February 24, 2021 (Wednesday), Thermae Romae (PG) | 6:30pm-8:18pm
March 24, 2021 (Wednesday), Her Love Boils Bathwater (UNCL 15+) | 6:30pm-8:35pm
April 21, 2021 (Wednesday), Melancholic (UNCL 15+) | 6:30pm-8:23pm
May 19, 2021 (Wednesday), Mio on the Shore (UNCL 15+) | 6:30pm-8:01pm

Held at Palace Central

From February to May, soak into Japanese cinema with a selection of films centred around sentō, screening monthly for free at Palace Central.

About the screenings

CATALOGUE LAUNCH & TALK EVENT

March 13, 2020 (Saturday) | 2:00pm-3:00pm AEDT

Held at The Japan Foundation, Sydney and the JPF Sydney Facebook page

Celebrate the launch of the exhibition catalogue with a talk by co-curator Eloise Rapp. There will be a limited run of the free exhibition catalogue exclusively available for attendees on the day in addition to a public online version.

About the event

TILE PAINTING WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS

April 9 (Saturday) and April 10 (Sunday) | 10am-12pm

Held at The Japan Foundation, Sydney

Design and paint your own mural on porcelain tiles to take home in a step-by-step workshop with artist Mary MacDougall. Taking inspiration from Mizuki Tanaka’s Japanese Public Bath Mural featured in the exhibition, participants will learn how to paint their own murals on porcelain tiles as well as the history of mural tile paintings in sentō.

This workshop is suitable for children between ages 7-13. Both workshops include the same content.

About the workshops

STAMP MAKING WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS

May 8 (Saturday) | 10am-12pm
May 15 (Saturday) | 10am-1pm

Held at The Japan Foundation, Sydney

Create and design your own stamps to take home in a step-by-step workshop with arts educator Ben Soedradjit. Taking inspiration from the sentō pilgrimage stamp collection featured in the exhibition, participants will learn how to design and carve a stamp made from either styrofoam or lino tiles. On May 9, kids will make stamps using materials found around the home. May 15’s workshop introduces more advanced methods and tools.

The workshop on May 9 is suitable for children between ages 7-13.
The workshop on May 15 is recommended for ages 13 and over.

About the workshops
EDITOR’S NOTES
  • Images on this webpage can be used for editorial purposes.
  • For high-resolution images and different dimensions, please contact us.

Gallery Hours

Mon–Fri: 10am–6pm
Sat: 10am–4pm

Closed on Sundays and the following holidays: April 2-6, April 25

Venues

Gallery & Event Program

The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008

Film Screenings
Palace Central
Level 3, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008

Admission

Exhibition entry is free.

Workshops are ticketed and cost $15 per person (booking fees apply). Bookings essential.

Media Enquiries

Anne Lee
(02) 8239 0055

General Enquiries

(02) 8239 0055

Presented by

Supported by

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